Treating water using a non-uniform magnetic field

ABSTRACT

Provided are water treatment systems and methods of treating water. A water treatment system comprises a first wire coil wrapped around a water pipe at a first angle, wherein the first angle is less than 90° as measured from a direction of water flow through the water pipe; a second wire coil wrapped around the water pipe at a second angle, wherein the second angle is more than 90° as measured from the direction of water flow through the water pipe; and a controller configured to send a first electric current to the first wire coil to generate a first magnetic field and a second electric current to the second wire coil to generate a second magnetic field.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. Application No. 16/436,610,filed Jun. 10, 2019, the entire contents of which is incorporated hereinby reference.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to water treatment systems, and moreparticularly, to water treatment systems that use a non-uniform magneticfield to control ion concentration in a water supply.

BACKGROUND

Dissolved salts in water, such as calcium carbonate, magnesiumcarbonate, magnesium sulfate, sodium chloride, and cations such asferrous iron can come from a variety of origins. For example, rivers,lakes, and mineral springs all pickup elements and compounds from theearth that are soluble in water under certain environmental conditions.Manmade causes such as agricultural runoff, urban runoff, and wastewaterrunoff can also introduce salts, metal ions, and basic oxides intobodies of water.

However, a high amount of dissolved solids is undesirable for variousreasons. For example, high amounts of calcium carbonate and/or magnesiumsulfate can increase hardness of water and cause mineral buildup inpipes. Additionally, high amounts of dissolved solids in potable watercan affect the taste, making it less desirable to drink.

Accordingly, different technologies are used for treating water tomanage dissolved salts. For example, technologies such as reverseosmosis, ion-exchange, and chemicals may be used to remove and/or managedissolved salts in water. In particular, reverse osmosis uses asemipermeable membrane and applied pressure (to overcome the osmoticpressure of the water) to remove dissolved solids. Ion-exchange is theexchange of ions (i.e., dissolved solids) between two electrolytes.Chemicals that may be used to remove dissolved solids from water caninclude coagulants, flocculants, chlorination and de-chlorinationagents, or biocides.

SUMMARY

Provided are water treatment systems and methods for treating particulartypes of water with said water treatment systems. In particular, watertreatment systems and methods of treating water provided herein utilizea non-uniform magnetic field to treat water in a water pipe. By usingtwo or more wire coils wrapped at opposing angles to each other around awater pipe, a non-uniform magnetic field can be generated. Thenon-uniform magnetic field can be directed downwards to focus thedissolved ions into a zone of increased ion concentration. The magneticfield of one wire coil may be stronger than that of the second wirecoil, such that the stronger magnetic field forces the dissolved ionstowards the wire coil of weaker magnetic force. As the ions concentratein an area between the two wire coils, they may combine, precipitate outof solution, and separate from the main water flow.

As described above, the two magnetic fields may be generated in a waysuch that the stronger magnetic field forces ions towards the weakermagnetic field. In some embodiments, the direction of this force may beagainst the flow direction of the water. The dissolved ions may be heldback and delayed by the magnetic field from the main stream of waterregardless of their polarity. As water flows through the pipe, theconcentration of dissolved ions increases in this zone between the twomagnetic fields. In this region of high ion concentration, the ions canrecombine to form chemical compounds and precipitate out of solution.Once precipitated, the ions/chemical compounds can be separated from thewater stream flowing through the water pipe to reduce water hardness andscale. In some embodiments, as the flow rate of water increases, some ofthe precipitated particles may redissolve in the water. Accordingly,each of the two magnetic fields can be controlled individually tobalance the rate of precipitation with the rate of dissolution toimprove water quality.

For example, when a low frequency non-uniform magnetic field is appliedto water flowing through a pipe in a direction that is parallel to adirection of the water flow, it can lower the surface tension,increasing both viscosity and cluster size, which can allow the water todissolve more salts. A cluster is hydrogen bonded assembly of watermolecules. The size of the cluster varies according to the angle betweenthe two hydrogen atoms in reference to the oxygen atom in a molecule ofwater. The cluster size can also be impacted by the hydrogen bondstrength.

Additionally, alternating low frequency (e.g., 400-450 Hz) non-uniformmagnetic fields can physically change the structure of the precipitatedparticles. For example, alternating a low frequency non-uniform magneticfield can reduce the amount of calcite to increase the amount ofaragonite precipitated out of solution. Calcite and aragonite are bothpolymorphs of calcium carbonate. However, calcite can cause buildup inwater pipes and is very difficult to remove. Conversely, even thougharagonite is intrinsically harder, it resists forming hard scale onsurfaces and is more soluble than calcite. In some embodiments, solubleferrous iron in the presence of the non-uniform magnetic field canreduce calcite and stabilize aragonite.

In some embodiments, alternating higher frequency (e.g., 10,000-15,000Hz) non-uniform magnetic fields can create a mechanical force.Generating a mechanical force can help remove existing scale in waterpipes. As hard water particles (i.e., scale buildup) are removed fromwater pipes, the water flow improves. This increase in water flow canhelp removing other scale buildup in the water pipes and can helpprevent new scale buildup from forming.

Water treatment systems provided herein can include at least twoelectric magnets, wherein each of the two electric magnets comprises awire coil wrapped around the water pipe. In some embodiments, each ofthe at least two electric magnets can be configured to have a controlledcurrent running through its wire coil. One of the wire coils may bewrapped at an angle less than 90° and the second wire coil may bewrapped at an angle of greater than 90° with respect to an axis runningparallel with a direction of water flow through the water pipe. Acontroller may also be included to supply an electric current to thewire coils independently, which can generate a magnetic field runningwith each of the two wire coils. For example, a controller may beconfigured to change the magnetic field intensity and/or the directionof each coil independently to create a non-uniform magnetic fieldbetween the two coils. In some embodiments, the opposing angles (i.e.,one angle less than 90° and one angle greater than 90° with respect toan axis running parallel with a direction of water flow through thepipe) of the two wire coils wrapped around the pipe may be configured todeflect the magnetic field downward. By deflecting the magnetic fieldbetween the two wire coils downward, ions in the water can be trappedand delayed from moving with the main water flow. As described above,this non-uniform magnetic field forces ions to recombine, precipitate,and separate from the main water flow.

Methods for treating water may include wrapping wire coils around awater pipe and/or passing water to be treated through a pipe having twowire coils wrapped around it. The wire coils may be wrapped at opposingangles (i.e., one angle less than 90° and one angle greater than 90°with respect to an axis running parallel with a direction of water flowthrough the pipe). A magnetic field may be generated by each of the twowire coils. Each wire coil may be energized separately and differentlyby a controller to produce a non-uniform magnetic field in the pipebetween the two coils.

In some embodiments, a water treatment method is provided, the methodcomprising: wrapping a first wire coil around a water pipe at a firstangle, wherein the first angle is less than 90° as measured from adirection of water flow through the water pipe; wrapping a second wirecoil around the water pipe at a second angle, wherein the second angleis more than 90° as measured from the direction of water flow throughthe water pipe; and controlling a first electric current that generatesa magnetic field at the first wire coil and a second electric currentthat generates a magnetic field at the second wire coil.

In some embodiments of the method, controlling a first electric currentthat generates a magnetic field at the first wire coil and a secondelectric current that generates a magnetic field at the second wire coilcomprises: measuring water flow rate through the water pipe; andadjusting the first electric current and the second electric currentbased on the measured flow rate of water.

In some embodiments of the method, controlling a first electric currentthat generates a magnetic field at the first wire coil and a secondelectric current that generates a magnetic field at the second wire coilcomprises: measuring total dissolved solids in water flowing through thewater pipe; and adjusting the first electric current and the secondelectric current based on the measured total dissolved solids.

In some embodiments of the method, controlling a first electric currentthat generates a magnetic field at the first wire coil and a secondelectric current that generates a magnetic field at the second wire coilcomprises: collecting cations from the water flowing through the waterpipe with an energized cathode of an electrode.

In some embodiments of the method, the first electric current and thesecond electric current are the same.

In some embodiments of the method, the first electric current and thesecond electric current are different.

In some embodiments of the method, the water pipe comprises a diameterof -48 inches.

In some embodiments of the method, the water flows through the waterpipe at a flow rate of 2-1000 gallons per minute (gpm).

In some embodiments of the method, the water pipe comprises polyvinylchloride, cross-linked polyethylene, copper, or ferrous-based pipingmaterial.

In some embodiments of the method, a wire of the first wire coil and thesecond wire coil comprises a gauge of 8-18 American wire gauge (AWG).

In some embodiments of the method, controlling a first electric currentthat generates a magnetic field at the first wire coil and a secondelectric current that generates a magnetic field at the second wire coilcomprises outputting an electric current of 2-10 amps.

In some embodiments, a water treatment kit is provided, the kitcomprising: wire for wrapping a first wire coil and a second wire coilaround a water pipe; one or more wire holders configured to hold a firstportion of the wire at a first angle to form a first wire coil, whereinthe first angle is less than 90° as measured from a direction of waterflow through the water pipe, and hold a second portion of the wire at asecond angle to form a second wire coil, wherein the second angle ismore than 90° as measured from a direction of water flow through thewater pipe; and a controller configured to send a first electric currentto the first wire coil around the water pipe to generate a firstmagnetic field and a second electric current to the second wire coilaround the water pipe to generate a second magnetic field.

In some embodiments of the kit, the kit comprises a water flow sensorconfigured to measure a flow rate of water flowing through the waterpipe and configured to communicate the flow rate to the controller.

In some embodiments of the kit, the kit comprises a total dissolvedsolids sensor configured to measure the total dissolved solids of waterflowing through the water pipe and configured to communicate the totaldissolved solids to the controller.

In some embodiments of the kit, the controller is configured to adjustthe first electric current and the second electric current based on theflow rate.

In some embodiments of the kit, the controller is configured to adjustthe first electric current and the second electric current based on thetotal dissolved solids.

In some embodiments of the kit, the first electric current and thesecond electric current are the same.

In some embodiments of the kit, the first electric current and thesecond electric current are different.

In some embodiments of the kit, the water pipe comprises a diameter of0.25- 48 inches.

In some embodiments of the kit, the water pipe comprises polyvinylchloride, cross-linked polyethylene, copper, or ferrous-based pipingmaterial.

In some embodiments of the kit, a wire of the first wire coil and thesecond wire coil comprises a gauge of 8-18 AWG.

In some embodiments of the kit, the controller is configured to output acurrent of 2-10 amps.

In some embodiments, a water treatment system is provided, the systemcomprising: a first wire coil wrapped around a water pipe at a firstangle, wherein the first angle is less than 90° as measured from adirection of water flow through the water pipe; a second wire coilwrapped around the water pipe at a second angle, wherein the secondangle is more than 90° as measured from the direction of water flowthrough the water pipe; and a controller configured to send a firstelectric current to the first wire coil to generate a first magneticfield and a second electric current to the second wire coil to generatea second magnetic field.

In some embodiments of the system, the system comprises a water flowsensor configured to measure a flow rate of the water flowing throughthe water pipe and configured to communicate the flow rate to thecontroller.

In some embodiments of the system, the system comprises a totaldissolved solids sensor configured to measure the total dissolved solidsof water flowing through the water pipe and configured to communicatethe total dissolved solids to the controller.

In some embodiments of the system, the system comprises an electrodepair configured to collect cations from the water flowing through thewater pipe to be transported to a reservoir.

In some embodiments of the system, the controller is configured toadjust the first electric current and the second electric current basedon the water flow rate.

In some embodiments of the system, the controller is configured toadjust the first electric current and the second electric current basedon the total dissolved solids.

In some embodiments of the system, the first electric current and thesecond electric current are the same.

In some embodiments of the system, the first electric current and thesecond electric current are different.

In some embodiments of the system, the water pipe comprises a diameterof 0.25-48 inches.

In some embodiments of the system, the water flows through the waterpipe at a flow rate of 2-1000 gpm.

In some embodiments of the system, the water pipe comprises polyvinylchloride, cross-linked polyethylene, copper, or ferrous-based pipingmaterial.

In some embodiments of the system, a wire of the first wire coil and thesecond wire coil comprises a gauge of 8-18 AWG.

In some embodiments of the system, the controller is configured tooutput a current of 2-10 amps.

In some embodiments, a method of treating water is provided, the methodcomprising: running water to be treated through a water pipe, the waterpipe comprising a first wire coil wrapped around the water pipe at afirst angle and a second wire coil wrapped around the water pipe at asecond angle, wherein the first angle less than 90° as measured from adirection of water flow through the water pipe and the second angle ismore than 90° as measured from the direction of water flow through thewater pipe; and controlling a first electric current that generates amagnetic field at the first wire coil and a second electric current thatgenerates a magnetic field at the second wire coil.

In some embodiments of the method, controlling a first electric currentthat generates a magnetic field at the first wire coil and a secondelectric current that generates a magnetic field at the second wire coilcomprises: measuring a flow rate of water flowing through the waterpipe; and adjusting the first electric current and the second electriccurrent based on the measured flow rate.

In some embodiments of the method, controlling a first electric currentthat generates a magnetic field at the first wire coil and a secondelectric current that generates a magnetic field at the second wire coilcomprises: measuring total dissolved solids in water flowing through thewater pipe; and adjusting the first electric current and the secondelectric current based on the measured total dissolved solids.

In some embodiments of the method, controlling a first electric currentthat generates a magnetic field at the first wire coil and a secondelectric current that generates a magnetic field at the second wire coilcomprises: collecting cations from the water flowing through the waterpipe with an energized cathode of an electrode.

In some embodiments of the method, the first electric current and thesecond electric current are the same.

In some embodiments of the method, the first electric current and thesecond electric current are different.

In some embodiments of the method, the water pipe comprises a diameterof 0.25-48 inches.

In some embodiments of the method, the water flows through the waterpipe at a flow rate of 2-1000 gpm.

In some embodiments of the method, the water pipe comprises polyvinylchloride, cross-linked polyethylene, copper, or ferrous-based pipingmaterial.

In some embodiments of the method, a wire of the first wire coil and thesecond wire coil comprises a gauge of 8-18 AWG.

In some embodiments of the method, controlling a first electric currentthat generates a magnetic field at the first wire coil and a secondelectric current that generates a magnetic field at the second wire coilcomprises outputting an electric current of 2-10 amps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the drift of a charged particle due toa deflected magnetic fields, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 shows precipitated particles in a non-uniform magnetic field,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 shows a water treatment system comprising electronic controloperating on two coils wrapped around water pipe and monitoring waterflow rate and TDS, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 4A - 4C show holders for wrapping a wire coil around a pipe,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 shows precipitated calcium carbonate particles from amagnetically treated water sample (top) and a non-magnetically treatedwater sample (bottom); and

FIG. 6 shows precipitated calcium carbonate particles and iron depositsfrom a magnetically treated water sample (top) and a non-magneticallytreated water sample (bottom).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are water treatment systems and methods for treatingwater with said water treatment systems. As described above, watertreatment systems and method of treating water provided herein canutilize a non-uniform magnetic field to treat water by deflecting thenon-uniform magnetic field downward. By deflecting downward, thenon-uniform magnetic field creates a zone that can trap dissolved ions,cause them to recombine to form one or more different chemicalcompounds, precipitate out of solution, and separate from the waterflow. As water flows through the water pipe, the concentration of ionsincreases within the specified zone and, based on their polarity, theions combine to form compounds that precipitate and separate from themain stream of water. For example, water treatment systems and methodsof treating water according to embodiments provided herein can use anon-uniform magnetic field to reduce water hardness by precipitatingcalcium carbonate and magnesium phosphate, reducing their ionconcentration in the water.

Additionally, water treatment systems and methods of treating waterprovided herein can also use a non-uniform magnetic field to change thephysical structure of precipitating calcium carbonate. Calcite andaragonite are two different polymorphs of calcium carbonate. Calcitefrequently forms scale buildup in water pipes which can be painstakingto remove. Aragonite, on the other hand, while an intrinsically hardermaterial, is more soluble in water than calcite and thus less likely toform hard scale on pipes and other surfaces in contact with water.Accordingly, using a non-uniform magnetic field according to methodsprovided herein can increase the amount of aragonite and decrease theamount of calcite.

Additionally, water treatment systems and methods of treating waterprovided herein can use a non-uniform magnetic field to mechanicallyremove and/or prevent scale buildup. For example, the non-uniformmagnetic field can be pulsed at a high frequency (e.g., 10,000-15,000pulses per second) to break down scale buildup over time and allow it topass through the pipes. As the scale breaks down, the water flowincreases. This increased water flow can help remove other scale buildupin the water pipes and help prevent new scale buildup within the waterpipes.

In some embodiments, water treatment systems provided herein include twowire coils wrapped around a pipe. The two wire coils may be wrapped atopposing angles (i.e., one angle less than 90° and one angle greaterthan 90° with respect to an axis running parallel with a direction ofwater flow through the pipe), deflecting the non-uniform magnetic fielddownward. In some embodiments, one of the wire coils may be wrapped atan angle of 35° to 75°, and the second wire coil may be wrapped at anangle of 105° to 145° with respect to a direction of fluid flow throughthe pipe. These two wire coils wrapped at opposing angles can deflect anon-uniform magnetic field downward to an area located between the twowire coils.

A controller may also be included to supply an electric current to eachof the two wire coils. In some embodiments, the controller may beconfigured to supply an electric current to each of the two wire coilsindependently. The controller can control the intensity and/or thedirection of the magnetic field generated by each wire coil. Forexample, the controller can supply current at variable pulse width andrate to each coil. The current supplied to each of the two or more coilsindependently can be the same or different. In some embodiments, thecurrent and/or frequency at which each wire coil is pulsed can depend onthe measured values of the flow rate TDS and/or water flow ratecommunicated by said controller. By wrapping the two wire coils aroundthe pipe at opposing angles, the magnetic field is deflected downward,creating a Lorentz force that drifts ions away from the direction of thewater flow and towards the wire coil of weaker magnetic field.Controlling the magnetic field to manipulate the drift of ions can delaythe ions in the zone of non-uniform magnetic field between the two wirecoils.

The discussion below includes: (1) a background of the electromagneticprinciples involved in water treatment systems of the presentdisclosure; (2) a description of water treatment systems according tothe present disclosure; (3) methods of purifying water using watertreatment systems of the present disclosure; and (4) examples of watertreatment systems of the present disclosure.

Motion of a Charged Particle in a Magnetic Field

Discussed below are electromagnetic principles that are involved inwater treatment systems disclosed herein. Specifically, double ioniclayers and the Lorenz force are each discussed below.

Exposing water to a low frequency magnetic field can affect gasnanobubbles in the water by disrupting the double ionic layer on the gasnanobubbles. A double ionic layer is a structure that appears on thesurface of an object (e.g., a gas bubble) when it is exposed to a fluid.The first layer of the double ionic layer is the surface charge andincludes ions adsorbed onto the object due to chemical interactions. Thesecond layer of the double ionic layer, the diffuse layer, comprisesions attracted to the surface charge. These ions of the diffuse layerare free ions that move in the fluid under the influence of electricattraction and thermal motion. A low frequency magnetic field exposurecan compromise the gas/liquid interface of the water and disturb theionic double layer that contributes to bubble stabilization in thewater.

The Lorenz force is a combination of electric and magnetic forces on apoint charge due to electromagnetic fields. Specifically, a particle ofcharge q moving with a flow rate v in an electric field E and a magneticfield B experiences a force of:

F=qE+qv × B

Since the magnetic Lorentz force is always perpendicular to the magneticfield, it has no influence on the parallel motion of ions movingparallel to the magnetic field lines under two wire coils of a watertreatment system provided herein. However, a charged particle willexperience a force in the direction away from the larger magnetic fieldtowards the weaker magnetic field.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a positive charged particle in a parallelmagnetic field B while under wire coil 112 a. Wire coil 112 b isproducing a stronger magnetic field than wire coil 112 a (shown by themagnitude of the magnetic field vectors). Due to the wrap angles of wirecoils 118 a and 118 b, the magnetic field is deflected downward betweenwire coils 118 a and 118 b as shown to generate a Lorentz effect forceon the charged particle. This Lorenz effect force causes the chargedparticle to drift to the side of the water pipe and back towards thewire coil of weaker magnetic field (i.e., wire coil 112 a), causing itto be delayed and halted in a region where ion concentration increases,preventing the charged particle from staying with the flow of the mainstream of water. This increase in ion concentration between wire coils118 a and 118 b also forces precipitation of particles from the mainstream of water.

Water Treatment Systems

Discussed below are water treatment systems according to embodimentsprovided herein. In particular, water treatment systems disclosedinclude at least two wire coils wrapped at opposing angles around awater pipe. These two wire coils can generate a non-uniform magneticfield. As described in detail above, water treatment systems providedherein can use a non-uniform magnetic field to treat the water flowingthrough a pipe by physically altering the structure of precipitatedcompounds and by producing a mechanical force that can remove existingscale buildup.

FIG. 2 shows water treatment system 200 comprising wire coil 212 a andwire coil 212 b wrapped around water pipe 210. The angles of thewrapping of wire coils 212 a and 212 b with respect to the direction ofwater flow through water pipe 210 deflect the non-uniform magnetic fielddownward. Thus, the deflected non-uniform magnetic field creates a zoneof increased ion concentration between wire coils 212 a and 212 b. B1represents the magnetic field of wire coil 212 a and B2 represents themagnetic field of wire coil 212 b. As shown, B1 (i.e., the magneticfield of wire coil 212 a) is weaker than B2 (i.e., the magnetic field ofwire coil 212 b). Thus, the ions of the water flowing through water pipe210 are directed towards wire coil 212 a, which in this case, is thewire coil of weaker magnetic field. As the ions are directed towardswire coil 212 a, the ion concentration in this zone increases. Due tothe increase in ion concentration, some of the ions will combine to formchemical compounds (e.g., calcium carbonate) and will precipitate out ofsolution. Accordingly, water treatment systems provided herein, such aswater treatment system 200 of FIG. 2 use a non-uniform magnetic field totreat water flowing through a pipe by controlling the amount ofdissolved ions/salts in the water.

FIG. 3 provides an example of water treatment system 300 according tosome embodiments. Water treatment system 300 can include water pipe 310,a first wire coil 312 a, a second wire coil 312 b, a plurality ofcharged ions 314, a controller 316, a first magnet control 318 a, asecond magnet control 318 b, a water flow sensor 320, a total dissolvedsolids (TDS) sensor, a pair of electrodes 315, and a communicationmodule 317. In particular, FIG. 3 provides an example of directing ionsto a zone of high ionic concentration created by deflecting anon-uniform magnetic field between wire coil 312 a and wire coil 312 b,forcing the ions to combine to form chemical compounds that precipitateout of solution.

Water treatment system 300 may treat water flowing at various flow ratesthrough water pipe 310. For example, water treatment system 300 maytreat water flowing at 2-2500 gallons per minute (gpm). In someembodiments, water treatment system 300 may treat water flowing at lessthan 2500 gpm, less than 2000 gpm, less than 1500 gpm, less than 1000gpm, less than 800 gpm, less than 600 gpm, less than 400 gpm, less than200 gpm, less than 100 gpm, less than 50 gpm, or less than 25 gpm. Insome embodiments, water treatment system 300 may treat water flowing atmore than 2 gpm, more than 25 gpm, more than 50 gpm, more than 100 gpm,more than 200 gpm, more than 400 gpm, more than 600 gpm, more than 800gpm, more than 1000 gpm, more than 1500 gpm, or more than 2000 gpm.

Additionally, water pipe 310 may be of various diameters, materials,etc. For example, water treatment system 300 may be designed to treatwater of various types and for various industries. As a water treatmentsystem is designed for a particular type of water and/or a particularindustry, water pipe 310 may be of various diameters. For example, awater treatment system designed for residential applications may be upto 1.5 inches in diameter. A water treatment system designed forcommercial and/or industrial applications may be 1.5 inches in diameter,3 inches in diameter, 5 inches in diameter, 8 inches in diameter, oreven 20 inches in diameter or more. As the diameter of the pipeincreases, the power supply providing the magnetic field may increase.Conversely, as the diameter of the pipe decreases, the power supplyrequired may also decrease. In some embodiments, the diameter of thewater pipe may be from 0.25 inches to 48 inches, from 1 to 4 inches,from 2 to 10 inches, or from 20 to 30 inches. In some embodiments, thediameter of the water pipe may be less than 48 inches, less than 36inches, less than 32 inches, less than 30 inches, less than 28 inches,less than 24 inches, less than 20 inches, less than 18 inches, less than16 inches, less than 12 inches, less than 10 inches, less than 8 inches,less than 5 inches, less than 4 inches, less than 3 inches, less than 2inches, or less than 1 inch. In some embodiments, the diameter of thewater pipe may be greater than 0.25 inches, greater than 0.5 inches,greater than 1 inch, greater than 2 inches, greater than 3 inches,greater than 4 inches, greater than 5 inches, greater than 8 inches,greater than 10 inches, greater than 12 inches, greater than 16 inches,greater than 18 inches, greater than 20 inches, greater than 24 inches,greater than 28 inches, greater than 30 inches, or greater than 32inches.

Water pipe 310 may comprise various materials. For example, water pipe310 may include polyvinyl chloride, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride,cross-linked polyethylene, copper, and ferrous-based piping materials.In some embodiments, water treatment systems according to embodimentsprovided herein may be applied to existing piping. Thus, installing awater treatment system provided herein may not require specializedpiping or cutting the pipe to install the water treatment system.Described in detail below are methods of installing water treatmentsystems onto existing piping.

Conventional water treatment systems employing a magnetic fieldtypically wrap wire coils at a 90° angle to the direction of water flowthrough the pipe (i.e., perpendicular to the direction of water flowthrough the pipe) to create a uniform magnetic field. However, watertreatment systems according to embodiments provided herein wrap the wirecoils at angles greater than 90° and less than 90° with respect to adirection of water flow through the pipe. In some embodiments, wrappingthe wire coils at an angle greater than and/or less than 90° withrespect to the direction of water flow through the pipe can form adeflected magnetic field in the non-uniform magnetic field area betweenthe two or more wire coils as described herein.

As shown in the figure, wire coil 312 a and wire coil 312 b are wrappedaround water pipe 310. In some embodiments, a first magnet runs with thewrap of wire coil 312 a, and a second magnet runs with the wrap of wirecoil 312 b. In some embodiments, the number of wraps of each coil aroundwater pipe 310 is calculated to produce a specific inductance value.This specific inductance value can correspond to the diameter andmaterial of the water pipe 310.The wire coils may not overlap on thewater pipe. In some embodiments, wire coil 312 a or wire coil 312 b maybe wrapped at an angle of less than 90°. For example, wire coil 312 amay be wrapped around water pipe 310 at an angle of 35° to 75°, 40° to70°, or 45° to 65°. In some embodiments, wire coil 312 a or wire coil312 b may be wrapped at an angle of less than 75°, less than 70°, lessthan 65°, less than 60°, less than 55°, less than 50°, less than 45°, orless than 40°. In some embodiments, wire coil 312 a or wire coil 312 bmay be wrapped at an angle of more than 35°, more than 40°, more than45°, more than 50°, more than 55°, more than 60°, more than 65°, or morethan 70°.

In some embodiments, a wire coil may be wrapped at an angle of greaterthan 90° with respect to an axis running along the direction of waterflow through the pipe. For example, wire coil 312 a or wire coil 312 bmay be wrapped around water pipe 310 at an angle of 105° to 145°, 110°to 140°, 115° to 135°, or 120° to 130°. In some embodiments, wire coil312 a or wire coil 312 b may be wrapped around water pipe 310 at anangle of less than 145°, less than 140°, less than 135°, less than 130°,less than 125°, less than 120°, less than 115°, or less than 110°. Insome embodiments, wire coil 312 a or wire coil 312 b may be wrappedaround water pipe 310 at an angle of more than 105°, more than 110°,more than 115°, more than 120°, more than 125°, more than 130°, morethan 135°, or more than 140°.

In some embodiments, the number of times the wire is wrapped aroundwater pipe 310 may vary. In some embodiments, the number of wire wrapsaround water pipe 310 may depend upon the material of water pipe 310.For example, water pipe 310 made of copper may have twice the number ofwire wrapped around it as compared to a polyvinyl chloride pipe toproduce the same specific inductance based on the same size diameter ofthe water pipe 310.

In some embodiments, wire coil 312 a and wire coil 312 b may run at thesame magnetic frequency or at different magnetic frequencies. Whetherwire coils 312 a and 312 b run at the same or at different frequenciesmay depend upon the type of water running through water pipe 310. Forexample, in some agricultural or poultry applications, wire coil 312 amay run at a higher frequency to treat the water by minimizing and/oreliminating scale build-up in the pipe. Wire coil 312 b may run at alower frequency than wire coil 312 a to convert the calcium carbonate toaragonite (i.e., water-soluble calcium) that can be beneficial toagriculture (e.g., chickens, turkeys, pigs, cows, tomatoes, othergrowing plants). In other circumstances (e.g., hard water or a waterwaste treatment facility), wire coil 312 a and wire coil 312 b may runat the same magnetic frequency.

As described above, wire coils 312 a and 312 b may be wrapped atopposing angles (i.e., one wire coil wrapped at an angle less than 90°and one wire coil wrapped at an angle greater than 90° with respect to adirection of water flow through water pipe 310). For example, when wirecoil 312 a is wrapped around water pipe 310 at an angle less than 90°and wire coil 312 b is wrapped at an angle greater than 90° with respectto a direction of water flow through water pipe 310, charged ions 314that are located in between the two wire coils may be forced down awayfrom an edge of the pipe due to the non-uniform magnetic field generatedbetween wire coil 312 a and wire coil 312 b. Conventional watertreatment systems that include perpendicularly-wrapped wire coils (i.e.,wire coils wrapped at 90° with respect to a direction of water flowthrough the pipe) generate a magnetic field that is not sufficient toforce the charged ions down from the edge of the pipe.

The wire gauge of wire coils 312 a and 312 b may vary according to thesize of water pipe 310. For example, as the diameter of water pipe 310increases, the gauge of the wire can decrease. In some embodiments, thegauge of the wire may be from 4 to 30, from 8 to 24, from 8 to 18, orfrom 12 to 18 American wire gauge (AWG). In some embodiments, the gaugeof the wire of the wire coils may be less than 30, less than 28, lessthan 26, less than 24, less than 22, less than 20, less than 18, lessthan 16, less than 14, less than 12, less than 10, less than 8, or lessthan 6 AWG. In some embodiments, the gauge of the wire may be more than4, more than 6, more than 8, more than 10, more than 12, more than 14,more than 16, more than 18, more than 20, more than 22, more than 24,more than 26, or more than 28 AWG.

Controller 316 may be used to generate the magnetic field of watertreatment system 300. In particular, controller 316 can send one or moreindependent current-modulated signals to each of wire coil 312 a andwire coil 312 b via magnet control 318 a and magnet control 318 b,respectively. In some embodiments, controller 316 may receiveinformation from water flow sensor 320 and/or TDS sensor 322. In someembodiments, controller 316 may adjust the one or more electric currentit sends to wire coil 312 a and wire coil 312 b according to theinformation received from water flow sensor 320 and/or TDS sensor 322.

In some embodiments, the type of controller 316 used to control watertreatment system 300 may depend upon the type of water pipe 310. Forexample, controller 316 may increase in power as the diameter of waterpipe 310 increases. In some embodiments, controller 316 may comprise aninput voltage of 90-264 volts AC power at 47 to 63 Hertz. In someembodiments, controller 316 may include an input current of 10-50 wattsor 20-30 watts. In some embodiments, controller 316 may include an inputcurrent of less than 50 watts, less than 40 watts, less than 30 watts,or less than 20 watts. In some embodiments, controller 316 may includean input current of more than 10 watts, more than 20 watts, more than 30watts, or more than 40 watts. In some embodiments, controller 316 may beconfigured to send an electric current to wire coil 312 a and wire coil312 b alternately.

In some embodiments, controller 316 may include a human machineinterface (HMI) that can allow a user to interact with water treatmentsystem. For example, the HMI of controller 316 may display for a userindicators that can include the power that the system is running at,whether the system is running at all, whether the system is incalibration mode, etc.

In some embodiments, controller 316 may include a circuit board. In someembodiments, controller 316 may include a computer. In some embodiments,controller 316 may include one or more processors and one or morememory.

In some embodiments, one or more controller 316 from one or more watertreatment system 300 may be interconnected and may communicate to acommunication module at a central location. For example, a user may beable to use a computer including, but not limited to, a desktopcomputer, a laptop computer, or a handheld computer (e.g., a tablet or amobile phone), to monitor and control one or more water treatmentsystems 300. In some embodiments, the communication module may utilizewireless technologies to communicate data from the one or more watertreatment systems 300 to the central location. For example, wirelesstechnologies that may be used include cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.In some embodiments, the communication module may utilize wiredtechnologies to communicate data from the one or more water treatmentsystems 300 to the central location.

In some embodiments, if two or more water treatment systems 300 areoperating together and one malfunctions, a user may be able to use acommunication module to identify which of the two or more watertreatment systems are malfunctioning. For example, each of the two ormore water treatment systems 300 and controllers 316 may be individuallycontrolled and communicated with such that a user can monitor theindividual status of each system and controller.

In some embodiments, a communication module 317 shown in FIG. 3 may beintegrated to controller 316. Communication module 317 may be capable oftransmitting water variables such as TDS, conductivity, and flow rate toa data logger or a computer.

Water flow sensor 320 can measure the flow of the water passing throughwater pipe 310 and communicate the water flow information to controller316. Based on the water flow data sent to controller 316 by water flowsensor 320 and/or TDS sensor 322, controller 316 can determine whatstrength of electric current to send to wire coil 312 a and wire coil312 b (via magnet control 318 a and magnet control 318 b, respectively),to balance between the rate of precipitation and the rate thatprecipitated particles that will dissolve again in the flow of water.Thus, the flow of the water is indirectly controlling the electriccurrent that is sent to wire coil 312 a and wire coil 312 b and themagnetic frequencies generated by the signal(s). For example, water flowsensor 320 can signal controller 316 if the water in water pipe 310 isstagnant, water flow sensor 320 communicates this information tocontroller 316, and controller 316 responds by sending one or moreelectric current via magnet control 318 a and magnet control 318 b towire coil 312 a and wire coil 312 b, respectively, corresponding to thestagnant water flow. In some embodiments, controller 316 can go into astandby mode or power-saving mode (e.g., by disabling wire coil 312 aand/or 318 b) when water flow sensor 320 senses and communicates thatthe water in water pipe 310 is stagnant. If the water is steadilyflowing through water pipe 310, water flow sensor 320 can send thisinformation to controller 316, and controller 316 can send one or moresignals via magnet control 318 a and magnet control 318 b to wire coil312 a and wire coil 312 b, respectively, corresponding to this steadywater flow. For example, when water flow sensor 320 detects watermovement in water pipe 310, it can signal controller 316 to setup wirecoils 312 a and 312 b in a way such that the generated magnetic field ofcoil 312 b is higher in magnitude and opposite in direction than themagnetic field generated by coil 312 a. The strength of the magneticfield can be calculated by controller 316 based on the data receivedfrom the flow sensor 320 and/or the TDS sensor 322.

In some embodiments, water flow sensor 320 may be located before wirecoil 312 a and wire coil 312 b, such that water flow sensor 320 measuresthe flow of the water in water pipe 310 before it reaches wire coils 312a and 312 b. In some embodiments, water flow sensor 320 may be locatedafter wire coil 312 a and 312 b, such that water flow sensor 320 measurethe flow of the water in water pipe 310 after it passes through wirecoils 312 a and 312 b.

TDS sensor 322 can measure the total dissolved solids in the water. Insome embodiments, TDS sensor 322 can measure all dissolved solids in thewater. In some embodiments, TDS sensor 322 may measure a particular typeof dissolved solid only (e.g., calcium). Like water flow sensor 320, TDSsensor 322 sends data about the water flowing through water pipe 310 tocontroller 316. Based on the information about the total dissolvedsolids sent to controller 316 by TDS sensor 322, controller 316 canadjust one or more electric current that it sends through magnet control318 a and magnet control 318 b to wire coil 312 a and wire coil 312 b,respectively. Thus, as with water flow sensor 320 described above, theone or more electric current sent by controller 316 can react to andreflect characteristics of the water passing through water pipe 310 (inthis case, the total dissolved solids in the water).

In some embodiments, TDS sensor 322 may be located after wire coil 312 aand wire coil 312 b, such that TDS sensor measures total dissolvedsolids in the water passing through water pipe 310 after it passes wirecoils 312 a and 312 b. In some embodiments, TDS 322 sensor may belocated prior to wire coil 312 a and wire coil 312 b, such that TDSsensor 322 measures total dissolved solids in the water flowing throughwater pipe 310 before it reaches wire coils 312 a and 312 b. In someembodiments, a first TDS sensor 322 may be located before wire coils 312a and 312 b and a second TDS sensor 322 may be located after wire coils312 a and 312 b such that the total dissolved solids may be measuredboth before and after the water passes through wire coils 312 a and 312b. Both the first TDS sensor 322 and the second TDS sensor 322 maycommunicate TDS information with controller 316, and controller 316 mayadjust one or more electric current it sends to wire coil 312 a and/orwire coil 312 b accordingly.

In some embodiments, a water treatment system according to embodimentsprovided herein may include a water recirculation loop. For example, atleast a portion of water that flows through the section of water pipe310 comprising wire coil 312 a and wire coil 312 b may recirculatethrough the section of water pipe comprising wire coil 312 a and wirecoil 312 b at least a second time such that the water is treated atleast two times, wherein a single treatment corresponds to a single passthrough the section of water pipe 310 comprising wire coil 312 a and 312b. In some embodiments, water may be treated 2, 3, 4, or 5 times. Insome embodiments, a water treatment system may include a valvecontroller that is configured to close when recirculating the water andconfigured to open when allowing the water to exit the water treatmentsystem after being treated. In some embodiments, the operation of thevalve controller may depend upon a measure of TDS. If the TDS in thewater is too high based upon the information sent from TDS sensor 322 tocontroller 316, controller 316 may be configured to send an electriccurrent to the valve controller telling the valve controller to closeand force the water back through the treatment region of water pipe 310(i.e., the portion of water pipe 310 comprising wire coil 312 a and wirecoil 312 b).

In some embodiments, water treatment system 300 may include a pair ofelectrodes 315. Electrode pair 315 can include a positive electrode anda negative electrode. Electrode pair 315 may be energized by controller316 and may be used in circulating water systems in large institutionswhere positive ions in water (cations) can be collected by the cathodeand pumped out to a reservoir where it is allowed to nucleate, separatedfrom water by gravity while water is circulating.

Controller 316 may control the electrodes, which may be made ofnon-corrosive materials such as graphite or stainless steel. Theelectrodes can effectively control water hardness and add an extra levelto control ion concentration in water. In addition to non-corrosivematerials, other materials and shapes may be used for particularreasons. For example, ionizers using copper, silver, or an alloy of bothcopper and silver may be used to control the growth of algae, viruses,and bacteria in swimming pools and other industrial application. Suchionizers may be energized by controller 316 periodically to produce alevel of copper ions in water.

Methods of Treating Water

Provided below is a discussion of methods of wrapping a wire coil arounda water pipe at an angle and methods of treating water using watertreatment systems provided herein.

Methods of Wrapping a Wire Coil

As described in detail above, the wire coils of water treatment systemsherein are wrapped at angles greater than 90° or less than 90° withrespect to a direction of water flow through the water pipe. Incontrast, conventional water treatment systems using magnetic fields mayinclude wire coils wrapped perpendicularly, or at 90° to a direction ofwater flow through the water pipe. Thus, methods of treating waterprovided herein may include methods of wrapping a wire coil describedbelow.

Methods of wrapping a wire coil according to embodiments provided hereincan include using a specific holder to hold the wire when wrapping thewire around the water pipe. In some embodiments, a method of wrapping awire coil may include wrapping a wire around a water pipe at an angleless than 90° with respect to the direction of water flow through thewater pipe to form a first wire coil. The method may include wrapping asecond wire coil around the water pipe at an angle of greater than 90°with respect to the direction of water flow through the water pipe toform a second wire coil.

In some embodiments, the holder may include a suitable jig, clamp, orstabilizer to help the wrapped wire stay in place taught around thewater pipe and not bag or sag. In some embodiments, the holder can beplaced around the pipe and held in place with zip ties. One holder canwork on several different pipe sizes.

For example, FIG. 4 a shows an example of a holder positioned on pipe410 that may be used to wrap the wire at a specified angle according tosome embodiments. In particular, a holder can include wire channel 460and end piece 462. As shown in FIG. 4 b , which provides a close-up viewof wire channel 460, the wire of the wire coils can be laid in the wiregrooves of wire channel 460 to hold the wire coil in place at aspecified angel relative to the direction of water flow through the pipe410. FIG. 4 c shows a close-up view of an end piece 462 that is in anopen configuration. End piece 462 may be clamped around pipe 410 to forma closed configuration as shown in FIG. 4 a to hold wire channel 460 inplace. In some embodiments, a method for wrapping a wire coil mayinclude one wire channel 462. In some embodiments, a method for wrappinga wire coil may include two or more wire channels 462. In someembodiments, a method for wrapping a wire coil may include one end piece462. In some embodiments, a method may include two end pieces 462. Insome embodiments, an end piece 462 and/or a wire channel 460 may beunique to a specific wrapping angle. In some embodiments, an end piece462 and/or a wire channel 460 may be suitable for various wrap angles.In some embodiments, end piece 462 may be held in place using zip ties.

Methods of Treating Water

Provided herein are methods of treating water using a non-uniformmagnetic field. Methods of treating water according to embodimentsprovided herein may include a method of wrapping a wire coil describedimmediately above.

In some embodiments, methods of treating water may include passing waterthrough a water pipe comprising two wire coils. As described above, afirst wire coil may be wrapped at an angle of less than 90°, and asecond wire coil may be wrapped at an angle of more than 90°, withrespect to a direction of water flowing through the water pipe. Anon-uniform magnetic field may be generated between the wrapped wirecoils.

In some embodiments, methods of treating water may include installing acontroller that is configured to send one or more electric current eachof the two wire coils. In some embodiments, the controller may beconfigured to receive water flow information sent from a water flowsensor. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to adjustthe one or more electric signal sent to the two wire coils according tothe water flow information. In some embodiments, the controller may beconfigured to receive total dissolved solids information from a totaldissolved solids sensor. In some embodiments, the controller may beconfigured to adjust the one or more electric currents sent to the wirecoils based on the total dissolved solids information.

EXAMPLES

FIG. 5 shows two samples of calcium carbonate scale. The top samplecontains water treated by a water treatment system according toembodiments provided herein. The bottom sample shows calcium carbonatescale of untreated water obtained from the same water source as the topsample. As shown, the top sample (i.e., water treated according toembodiments provided herein) comprises less accumulation of calciumcarbonate scale than the untreated bottom sample.

FIG. 6 shows two samples of iron deposits. The top sample includes watertreated by a water treatment system according to embodiments providedherein. The bottom sample includes iron deposits of untreated waterobtained from the same water source as top sample. As shown, the topsample (i.e., water treated according to embodiments provided herein)comprises fewer accumulation of iron deposits than the untreated bottomsample.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms of art, notations and othertechnical and scientific terms or terminology used herein are intendedto have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art to which the claimed subject matter pertains. In somecases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein forclarity and/or for ready reference, and the inclusion of suchdefinitions herein should not necessarily be construed to represent asubstantial difference over what is generally understood in the art.

Reference to “about” a value or parameter herein includes (anddescribes) variations that are directed to that value or parameter perse. For example, description referring to “about X” includes descriptionof “X”.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It is also to be understood that the term “and/or” as usedherein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items. It is further to beunderstood that the terms “includes, “including,” “comprises,” and/or“comprising,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or units but donot preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, units, and/or groupsthereof.

This application discloses several numerical ranges in the text andfigures. The numerical ranges disclosed inherently support any range orvalue within the disclosed numerical ranges, including the endpoints,even though a precise range limitation is not stated verbatim in thespecification because this disclosure can be practiced throughout thedisclosed numerical ranges.

The foregoing description, for the purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the techniques and their practical applications. Othersskilled in the art are thereby enabled to best utilize the techniquesand various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

Although the disclosure and examples have been fully described withreference to the accompanying figures, it is to be noted that variouschanges and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in theart. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as beingincluded within the scope of the disclosure and examples as defined bythe claims.

1. A water treatment method comprising: wrapping a first wire coilaround a water pipe at a first angle, wherein the first angle is lessthan 90° as measured from a direction of water flow through the waterpipe; wrapping a second wire coil around the water pipe at a secondangle, wherein the second angle is more than 90° as measured from thedirection of water flow through the water pipe; and controlling a firstelectric current that generates a magnetic field at the first wire coiland a second electric current that generates a magnetic field at thesecond wire coil.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein controlling a firstelectric current that generates a magnetic field at the first wire coiland a second electric current that generates a magnetic field at thesecond wire coil comprises: measuring water flow rate through the waterpipe; and adjusting the first electric current and the second electriccurrent based on the measured flow rate of water.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein controlling a first electric current that generates amagnetic field at the first wire coil and a second electric current thatgenerates a magnetic field at the second wire coil comprises: measuringtotal dissolved solids in water flowing through the water pipe; andadjusting the first electric current and the second electric currentbased on the measured total dissolved solids.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein controlling a first electric current that generates a magneticfield at the first wire coil and a second electric current thatgenerates a magnetic field at the second wire coil comprises: collectingcations from the water flowing through the water pipe with an energizedcathode of an electrode.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstelectric current and the second electric current are the same.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first electric current and the secondelectric current are different.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein thewater pipe comprises a diameter of 0.25-48 inches.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the water flows through the water pipe at a flow rateof 2-1000 gallons per minute (gpm).
 9. The method of claim 1, whereinthe water pipe comprises polyvinyl chloride, crosslinked polyethylene,copper, or ferrous-based piping material.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein a wire of the first wire coil and the second wire coil comprisesa gauge of 8-18 American wire gauge (AWG).
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein controlling a first electric current that generates a magneticfield at the first wire coil and a second electric current thatgenerates a magnetic field at the second wire coil comprises outputtingan electric current of 2-10 amps.
 12. A method of treating watercomprising: running water to be treated through a water pipe, the waterpipe comprising a first wire coil wrapped around the water pipe at afirst angle and a second wire coil wrapped around the water pipe at asecond angle, wherein the first angle less than 90° as measured from adirection of water flow through the water pipe and the second angle ismore than 90° as measured from the direction of water flow through thewater pipe; and controlling a first electric current that generates amagnetic field at the first wire coil and a second electric current thatgenerates a magnetic field at the second wire coil.
 13. The method ofclaim 12 , wherein controlling a first electric current that generates amagnetic field at the first wire coil and a second electric current thatgenerates a magnetic field at the second wire coil comprises: measuringa flow rate of water flowing through the water pipe; and adjusting thefirst electric current and the second electric current based on themeasured flow rate.
 14. The method of claim 12 , wherein controlling afirst electric current that generates a magnetic field at the first wirecoil and a second electric current that generates a magnetic field atthe second wire coil comprises: measuring total dissolved solids inwater flowing through the water pipe; and adjusting the first electriccurrent and the second electric current based on the measured totaldissolved solids.
 15. The method of claim 12 , wherein controlling afirst electric current that generates a magnetic field at the first wirecoil and a second electric current that generates a magnetic field atthe second wire coil comprises: collecting cations from the waterflowing through the water pipe with an energized cathode of anelectrode.
 16. The method of claim 12 , wherein the first electriccurrent and the second electric current are the same.
 17. The method ofclaim 12 , wherein the first electric current and the second electriccurrent are different.
 18. The method of claim 12 , wherein the waterpipe comprises a diameter of 0.25-48 inches.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the water flows through the water pipe at a flow rate of2-1000 gpm.
 20. The method of claim 12 , wherein the water pipecomprises polyvinyl chloride, crosslinked polyethylene, copper, orferrous-based piping material.
 21. The method of claim 12 , wherein awire of the first wire coil and the second wire coil comprises a gaugeof 8-18 AWG.
 22. The method of claim 12 , wherein controlling a firstelectric current that generates a magnetic field at the first wire coiland a second electric current that generates a magnetic field at thesecond wire coil comprises outputting an electric current of 2-10 amps.